Story by:  Charles Pulliam (@cspulliam)

Independence (4-3-3) at Ravenwood (5-4-4), District 12-AAA Quarterfinal

If the last meeting – a hard fought 2-2 draw on April 27 – is any evidence of what this match might be like, just look back to the 2019 season when the Raptors exploded in the district semifinals in Thompson's Station behind five goals from Nick Dang in a 7-3 double overtime victory.

"This should be a matchup worth watching for both sets of fans," Independence coach Eric Bossman said. "It's going to be a physical game and competitive one."

Edoardo Ferrari scored both goals for Ravenwood in that 2-2 draw, including a header in front of the Indy goal after a long ball from Dang with just 69 seconds remaining. Caleb Overstreet and Carson Anderson netted the two goals for Indy prior.

Ferrari has turned heads of late, especially after connecting on a highlight reel bicycle kick to net the game-winner against Summit on April 20. Raptors coach Adam Harris said his team's depth can make a difference in the postseason. He's gone five or six players into his bench in several matches for various reasons, including injury.

"There's no drop-off there and I'm comfortable because we have gained that experience," Harris said. "At the same time, Independence is super dangerous. They know how to play and if you make one mistake, you could have the ball for say 30 minutes or whatever and then one time, bang – you're down."

The Raptors up-ended Indy on the road to reach the district final in 2019 in the previous meeting. Friday's winner not only advances to the semifinals but earns another shot at Brentwood – the Raptors are the only district team to score against the Bruins this season, forcing a 2-2 tie on March 26.

Ferrari's development over the season and Dominic Miller's contributions have bolstered Ravenwood, but it's Dang, a Lipscomb signee, who is the engine behind Ravenwood. Dang scored one goal and assisted on the other against Brentwood.

"I really think Nick has been the best player on the field every game," Harris said. "He just does it all and he makes our team run. He sets the tempo for us and keeps everyone organized and focused.

"We'll need to be focused. This district, as usual, is super tough."

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